Life isn't a bed of roses...

I read something recently from a woman who was critical of someone's cheery and positive posts of her daily family life. She boldly declared that this "too perfect" mother was hypocritical, fake, and deceitful. Not sharing her difficult trials and true emotions, she said she wasn't "authentic".

I thought it was interesting to read the way she viewed and judged this woman. She concluded that the intent of her heart was to brag and lift herself above others. She also shared that this "Mormon epidemic" is harmful because it makes other women feel inferior and depressed.

After reading her comments, I reflected on a talk I heard from President Eyring about how he kept a daily journal to help him remember and see more clearly God's hand in his life. He shared the following poem:

How Different
Some murmur when the sky is clear
And wholly bright to view,
If one small speck of dark appear
In their great heaven of blue:
And some with thankful love are filled,
If but one streak of light,
One ray of God's good mercy, gild
The darkness of their night.

I began to think on the things that I have posted and examined the intent of my heart in doing so. I think everyone can agree that life is not a bed of roses...there are so many thorns that prick and hurt us. We all have struggles. We all have challenges. But there is also an extraordinary amount of beauty in each day. In fact, I think we need those thorns to appreciate the petals. And I believe putting on rose colored glasses is something we can choose to do.

President Eyring goes on to say, "As you start to write, you could ask yourself, 'How did God bless me today?' If you do that long enough and with faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes, you will have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will then know were a touch of God's hand in your life." Most important of all he urges us to remember and be grateful for the greatest gift...Jesus Christ's perfect love and atonement.

On our way to gymnastics today Elise made this sweet little rose for her cousin (made from a Fruit by the Foot, actually. Isn't it incredible!?) It reminded me of these thoughts that have been in my heart. This evening as the kids were going to bed, I could overhear Noah singing I am Child of God to Cameron to help him fall asleep. The sweet fragrance of that Christ-like love is something I will always be able to remember with thankfulness.